Looking for the latest news in Edo State today? This post brings together the biggest headlines making waves across the state, including politics, government announcements, security developments, business updates, and other important happenings from Benin City and beyond. Below are the top Edo State news stories for June 8, 2026.
Highlights of Today’s Top Edo News
- Governor Okpebholo to swear in Justice Mary Asemota as Acting President of the Edo Customary Court of Appeal.
- APC members await official outcome and developments from the Edo South primary election.
- Governor Okpebholo reiterates commitment to tackling insecurity and criminal activities.
- Edo intensifies security efforts through forest guard initiatives.
- Skyewise Group announces over ₦9 billion investment in Edo State.
- NDLEA arrests suspected drug dealers during operations linked to Edo State.
- Former Edo permanent secretary, Ekhaguere, dies
- Edo NMA finally gets approval for long-delayed promotions of state doctors after 8 years.
- Fire destroys popular supermarket in Edo State, burning goods worth millions of naira.
1. Okpebholo to Swear in Justice Asemota as Acting President of Edo Customary Court of Appeal
The Edo State Government has announced that Hon. Justice Mary Nekpen Asemota will be sworn in as the Acting President of the Edo State Customary Court of Appeal. The swearing-in ceremony is scheduled to hold on Monday, June 8, 2026, marking a significant development within the state’s judiciary.
2. Tension as APC Members Await Edo South Primary Election Outcome
Political activities remain intense in Edo State as members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) continue to monitor developments surrounding the Edo South primary election. Reports indicate heightened interest among party stakeholders as they await the final outcome and possible political implications ahead of future elections.
3. Okpebholo Reaffirms Commitment Against Insecurity
Governor Monday Okpebholo has reiterated his administration’s resolve to combat insecurity and criminal activities in Edo State and across Nigeria. Speaking during a recent event, the governor stressed that the country must not be surrendered to kidnappers and other criminal elements.
4. Edo Strengthens Forest Security Initiative
Efforts to improve security received another boost as Edo State continues implementing its forest guard programme. The initiative is part of wider efforts to secure forests and rural communities against criminal activities, particularly kidnapping and illegal operations in remote areas.
5. Skyewise Group Announces ₦9 Billion Investment in Edo
In a positive development for the state’s economy, Skyewise Group disclosed that it has invested more than ₦9 billion in Edo State. The company said the investment is expected to contribute to economic growth, youth empowerment, and job creation.
6. NDLEA Operations Lead to Arrests Linked to Edo
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) announced the arrest of several suspected drug traffickers during nationwide operations, including suspects linked to Edo State. The agency said the operation forms part of ongoing efforts to curb drug trafficking and abuse.
7.Former Edo permanent secretary, Ekhaguere, dies
Former Edo State Permanent Secretary in the Ministries of Health, Agriculture, and Natural Resources, Dr. Felix Ekhaguere, has passed away at the age of 84.
According to a family statement signed by his son, Osaretin, he died in Benin on Monday, June 1, 2026, after a short illness.
The family described him as a man who lived a life marked by dedication, excellence, humility, and strong commitment to healthcare and service to others.
Born on October 26, 1941, in Utoka village, Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State, Dr. Ekhaguere was born to Mr. Morgan Ekhaguere of the Asabor family in Ezoti, Ogbe Quarters, and Mrs. Grace Ehiarinmwian Ekhaguere (née Imadiyi), both of blessed memory.
He served Nigeria for over 40 years in the medical and public service sector. He worked as a Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Central Hospital, Benin, where he rose to become Senior Consultant and later Chief Consultant. In 1984, he was appointed Medical Director of the hospital, a position he held as part of his distinguished career in public health service.
8.Edo NMA finally gets approval for long-delayed promotions of state doctors after 8 years
The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Edo State branch, has announced the approval of long-delayed promotions for doctors working under the state government.
In a statement signed by Chairman Dr. Eustace Oseghale and Secretary Dr. Iluobe Inegbenosun, the association confirmed that the promotions—stalled for over eight years—have finally been approved by the Edo State Government.
Dr. Oseghale described the development as a major relief for doctors who have continued to serve despite years of career stagnation, noting that it is a recognition of their dedication to healthcare delivery in the state.
He also credited the breakthrough to sustained advocacy efforts by the association’s leadership and support from the Association of Resident Doctors led by Dr. Peter Evboumwan.
9.Fire destroys popular supermarket in Edo State, burning goods worth millions of naira.
A popular supermarket, Anambra Supermarket, was on Sunday afternoon gutted by fire in the Ikpoba Hill area of Benin City, Edo State, leading to the loss of goods worth millions of naira.
The fire reportedly started on the first floor of the two-storey building, with early suspicions pointing to a fault in solar panels installed on the roof.
Residents and passers-by along the busy Benin–Auchi Road tried to control the flames before firefighters from both the Edo State Fire Service and the Federal Fire Service arrived at the scene.
Eyewitnesses said the fire began while many people were returning from church, but quick response from emergency services helped prevent the entire building from being destroyed.
While the exact cause is still being investigated, many at the scene believe a faulty solar installation may have triggered the outbreak.
10. EFCC Probes Alleged Double Salary Fraud as UNIBEN Staff, Others Face Separate Corruption Charges
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has intensified its crackdown on public sector fraud, arraigning a staff member of the University of Benin over allegations of receiving salaries from two government institutions simultaneously.
The anti-graft agency disclosed that the suspect, Segun Bode Adedeji, was among several defendants recently brought before courts in Edo and Borno states over separate cases involving alleged financial crimes ranging from salary fraud to money laundering.
According to a statement released by the EFCC on Thursday, Adedeji was arraigned before Justice E.G. Adekanmbi of the Edo State High Court on a four-count charge linked to the alleged fraudulent receipt of ₦3.28 million in salaries.
Investigators alleged that while employed at the University of Benin, the defendant was also receiving monthly salaries from the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Benin City, contrary to public service regulations.
The commission said intelligence gathered during its investigation revealed that the alleged salary duplication continued for a period, resulting in financial losses to government coffers.
The case highlights growing concerns over payroll irregularities within public institutions, a challenge anti-corruption agencies have repeatedly identified as a source of revenue leakages in the public sector.
These are the latest updates from Edo State for June 8, 2026. As events continue to unfold across politics, security, business, and public service, more developments are expected.
We will keep updating this page with the latest Edo State news every day, so be sure to check back regularly for fresh headlines and breaking stories as they happen.
